WHITTIER – Times are tough, the economy is weak and funding is hard for cities. So when the Whittwood branch of the Whittier Library was in need of renovations, somebody was going to need to raise some funds.

That is when the Whittier Public Library Foundation jumped into action and has raised $400,000 to pay for amenities the city couldn’t afford to go into the new library.

Work is nearing completion on the $5.3 million project that will expand the existing 9,735 square-foot library to 15,733 square feet.

A grand opening could be held as early as Dec. 1. Still to be completed are most of the inside work and landscaping.

And that means the fundraising campaign – launched at the beginning of the year is nearly done.

“Overall, we’re very happy,” said the Rev. Bill Ankerberg, senior pastor at Whittier Area Community Church, one of the co-coordinators of the effort.

Sue Settlage, the other co-coordinator, said she was surprised by the number of individuals who donated.

“I think it’s because they all have a story about the library,” said Settlage. “Everybody has something wonderful that happened at the library.”

The money will pay for amenities mostly in the children’s section of the library.

About $260,000 will pay for a mural sky scene, an synthetic orange tree and an interactive wall in the children’s story section.

“These will add to the ambience that will make the room special for the kids,” said Paymaneh Maghsoudi, city librarian.

The funds raised also will pay for tables and chairs in the meeting rooms as well as some special children’s furniture with animal shapes on the backs.

Maghsoudi said without this extra funding, the furniture would have come from the existing central library.

The foundation is still seeking money but those who want their name on the donor wall for the grand opening have until Thursday to make a donation, said Settlage.

“It would be fun,” she said. “When people come in they’ll be paying attention to the donor wall. It will be right as you walk in.”

To make a donation, call 562-448-8774.

The Sunrise Rotary and American Association of University Women each donated $5,000.